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Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Master of Arts in International Relations

Master of Arts in International Relations

The M.A. in International Relations program at Paragon International University aims to equip graduate students with deeper understanding of the theories and issues in international affairs, so that they can analyze, comprehend, and have better insights about current global affairs. Graduates of the MA program in International Relations can pursue careers in diplomatic corps, foreign affairs ministries, international affairs offices, international organizations (such as the UN bodies), higher education institutions, as well as in governmental and non-governmental institutions.

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Program Objectives

M.A. in IR program aims to:

  • Equip students with knowledge and understanding of most pressing regional and inter- national issues (with focus on Southeast Asia)
  • Engage students in debating complex issues of current world affairs through the prism of various theories and “Schools of Thought” in IR
  • Enhance critical thinking abilities and open-mindedness of students through research-intensive courses and active learning
  • Develop students’ competencies in comprehension and analysis of various materials and in communication of the ideas in oral and written form
  • Prepare students for further academic career through focus on research and writing
  • Equip students with problem solving skills needed to work in international institutions, government bodies and non-governmental organizations by carefully examining conflict resolution, environment, and human security related cases

Available modes of study

Master's by Coursework

General Courses – 3
IR Core Courses – 8
Elective Courses – 3
Research Course Major
Research Paper

Mixed Mode

General Courses – 3
IR Core Courses – 8
Elective Courses – 1
Research Course
Research Report

Master’s by Research

IR Core Courses – 2
One Research Course
Master’s Thesis
Conference and Research article

Flexible schedule to accommodate working students

International academic staff and learning environment

Use of blended learning
(in-class and online)

Sample Curriculum

Semester I

Course Title Credits C M R
Writing for Graduate Studies 3 ✓ ✓ ✓
Theories of Int’l Relations 3 ✓ ✓  
Research Methods 3 ✓ ✓  
A History of the Modern world 3 ✓ ✓  
Proposal Defense 6     ✓

Semester II

Course Title Credits C M R
Int’l Conflict Analysis and Resolution 3 ✓ ✓ ✓
Professional Communication 3 ✓ ✓  
Foreign Policy Analysis 3 ✓ ✓  
ASEAN in a changing world 3 ✓ ✓ ✓
Seminar 3     ✓
Progress Report 3     ✓

Semester III

Course Title Credits C M R
Int’l Relations in East Asia 3 ✓ ✓  
Int’l Law and Organizations 3 ✓ ✓  
Non-State Actors in World Politics 3 ✓ ✓  
Strategic Leadership 3 ✓ ✓  
Conference Paper and Presentation 6     ✓
Progress Report 3     ✓

Semester IV

Course Title Credits C M R
Departmental Elective 3 ✓ ✓  
Departmental Elective 3 ✓    
Departmental Elective 3 ✓    
Major Research Project 3 ✓    
Research Report 9   ✓  
Master’s thesis 9     ✓

* C – Master’s by Coursework
* M – Mixed Mode
* R – Master’s by Research

Core Courses

– A History of the Modern World
– International Law and Organizations
– Theories in International Relations
– Foreign Policy Analysis
– ASEAN in a Changing World
– International Relations in East Asia
– Non-State Actors in World Politics
– Int’l Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Elective Courses

– Issues in Global Development Practices
– Global Governance and Security Order
– China’s Foreign Policy
– Media and Global Affairs
– Directed Readings in Int. Relations
– Economic Policy
– Seminar on Transnational Issue
– Social Science Research Methods (Res. subject)

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